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Hyperloop Transportation Technologies begins building the first full scale Passenger Hyperloop Capsule.

Hyperloop Transportation Technologies begins building the first full scale Passenger Hyperloop Capsule.

By Catherine Rowell.Mar 22, 2017, 5:53AM

Hyperloop Transportation Technologies (HTT) has begun construction of the world's first full scale Passenger Hyperloop Capsule. This first capsule is the culmination of over three years and thousands of hours of design, research, and analysis.

Construction is underway for delivery and an official reveal in early 2018 at HTT's R&D center in Toulouse, France for integration and optimization. The capsule will then be utilized in a commercial system soon to be announced from the ongoing negotiations and feasibility studies currently taking place around the world.

Hyperloop Capsule starts construction

Hyperloop Capsule Interior

Hyperloop Capsule Composite

HTT's passenger capsule is being built in collaboration with Carbures S.A., a leading expert in fuselage and advanced materials construction in both aeronautics and aerospace. The final specs for the capsule are:

Length: 30 meters (98.5 feet)

Diameter: 2.7 meters (9 feet)

Weight: 20 tons

Passenger capacity: 28-40

Speed: Up to 1223 km/h (760 mph)

"We are building the world's first full scale passenger hyperloop capsule," HTT CEO Dirk Ahlborn said. "We are taking a passenger first approach to guarantee that safety is always our number one concern. It has been crucial in our development to go past the simple requirements of freight in order to build a better and safer system for everyone."

"This is a fascinating project utilizing our expertise and technology around the world," said Carbures Cofounder and Chairman Rafael Contreras. "We are pleased to work in this innovative, global, and important project."

"Carbures is a consolidated leader in the structural composites world with over 15 years of experience," said HTT Board Member Ramón Betolaza. "With over 1000 employees, eight manufacturing plants and five engineering centers, they are the perfect partner for HTT."

Carbures works on a global level with fuselages for the aviation industry. Their global positioning is especially well placed for the growing number of regions, including France, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Indonesia, and the United Arab Emirates, currently working with HTT to develop Hyperloop™ systems with more regions to be announced soon.

"We have some of the best global talent as part of our team," said HTT Chairman Bibop Gresta. "Tapping into this expertise ensures we are able to build not just faster, but better. Hyperloop comes to life because we're building this company in a smarter way."